Filter Assembly Including a Removable Filter Cartridge

ABSTRACT

A filter assembly includes a canister housing closable by a lid and containing a removable and replaceable filter element cartridge. The lid is part of the filter element cartridge and a single unitary component therewith, such that removal of the filter element cartridge also removes the lid, and replacement of the filter element cartridge also replaces the lid.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority from, and includesthe disclosure of, French patent application Ser. No. 12/56974, filedJul. 19, 2012, incorporated herein by reference.

PARENT FRENCH APPLICATION

The following is an English translation in accordance with the abovenoted parent French application and the present disclosure.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY

The disclosure relates to the field of designing and making of filterassemblies used to filter fluids, including fluids flowing in hydraulicmotors or apparatuses, and other fluid flow applications.

Such filter assemblies consist of a filter element or filter body,comprising a vessel and a cover, within which there is disposed a filtercartridge including a filtering medium, generally cylindrical in shapeand surrounding a tubular cavity, the filtering medium being possiblymade for example of paper, cardboard or again felt or another porousmaterial, such as a synthetic or non-synthetic, woven or non-wovenmaterial. The filter cartridge also comprises two end flanges delimitingthe filtering medium.

Such filter cartridges generally cooperate with a tube, in particular acenter tube, which may or may not be fixedly joined to the flanges. Theexternal diameter of the tube is close to the internal diameter of thetubular cavity surrounded by the filtering medium, so as to limit thedeformations of the medium caused by the pressure exerted within thefilter assembly.

The end flanges are formed by a first flange, which may consist of anupper flange, and a second flange, which may consist of a lower flange.The role of the flanges is to participate in the tight sealing of thefilter cartridge and to enable the fixed joining of the filter cartridgeto the permanent part of the filter assembly.

The filter cartridge is, in this type of filter assembly, generallyremovable or detachable so it can be replaced at the end of its servicelife by a new filter cartridge.

The operator uncaps the cover of the filter assembly and then grasps thefilter cartridge, removes it from the vessel and replaces it with a newfilter cartridge. In addition, the operator changes the gasket betweenthe cover and the vessel. These operations cause the operator to handleseveral elements which are liable to get soiled on parts that would thencome into contact with the clean, filtered fluid, after the filteringmedium, so that the contamination is no longer stopped by the filter butgoes directly to the motor for example. Besides, these numerousoperations give rise to substantial labor time for the maintenance ofthe filter assembly.

The disclosure provides a filter assembly that is clean, fast and easyto maintain during the replacement of the filter cartridge.

The disclosure provides a filter assembly that has a limited number ofparts.

The disclosure provides a filter assembly for which it is known withcertainty that, when it is closed, it includes a filter cartridge.

The disclosure provides a filter assembly including:

-   -   a filter element including a vessel and a cover,    -   a tube, in particular a central tube, within the filter element        extending along a longitudinal axis,    -   a removable filter cartridge housed in the filter element and        comprising a first flange, a second flange, and a filtering        medium extending between the first and second flanges and having        a tubular hollow space to surround the tube.

In one embodiment, the first flange of the filter cartridge at leastpartially forms the cover of the filter element.

The first flange at least partially closes the filter assembly. Thefilter cartridge therefore includes a part, namely at least one part ofthe first flange, partially forming an external wall of the filterassembly.

The replacement of a filter cartridge is relatively easy. Indeed,removing the cover results in removing the filter cartridge to which itis fixedly joined.

This also improves the cleanliness of the maintenance of the filterassembly.

In another embodiment, it is not possible to overlook the operation forpositioning the filter cartridge, since the first flange at leastpartially forms the cover of the filter assembly.

The filter gasket requires no handling since it is fixedly joined to thefirst flange, and therefore to the filter cartridge that is removed, andto the new filter cartridge that is positioned.

According to one embodiment, the first flange is configured to cooperateby force with the vessel so as to close the filter element in a tightlysealed manner.

As a variant, or additionally, the first flange can rest on an upperedge of the vessel.

The free end portion of the vessel can take a substantially cylindricalform and the first flange a substantially circular external outline,configured to cooperate with the vessel in order to ensuretightly-sealed closure of the filter assembly.

The filter assembly may include a holder for holding the first flange onthe vessel, especially configured to prevent the detachment of the firstflange from the vessel and/or configured to enable the filter cartridgeto be held fixedly in the vessel.

The holder can be distinct from the first flange and possibly from thefilter cartridge. As a variant, the holder can be fixedly attached orfixed to the filter cartridge.

The holder enables the cover to be held firmly on the vessel, to ensurethe safety of the closure of the filter assembly.

The tube can be fixed removably relative to the filter element,especially by screwing or by being clipped on or the like. The tube canbe fixed by screwing a lower threaded part of the tube on to acorresponding threaded part of the vessel.

In this case, the first flange can for example include an aperture, inparticular a central aperture, and the tube can include an upperextension passing through the aperture of the first flange andcooperating in a tightly sealed manner with the aperture, for example bya gasket. The upper extension is then configured to abut against anexternal face of the first flange and form the holder.

In this case, the filter cartridge can be replaced as follows. Theremovable tube is withdrawn. Thus, the filter cartridge is released andcan then be withdrawn to be replaced by a new one and then the filterassembly is closed in putting the tube back into place.

The filter assembly can include a closing ring fixedly joined externallywith an end portion of the vessel while at the same time being at leastpartially mobile, especially in rotation, relatively to the vessel andforming the holder.

In this case, the closing ring is configured so that, by partialrotation relatively to the vessel while remaining fixed to it, it canpass from a first position enabling the filter cartridge to be withdrawnfrom the vessel or enabling the filter cartridge to be positioned in thevessel to a second position preventing the filter cartridge from beingwithdrawn from the vessel or preventing the filter cartridge from beingpositioned in the vessel, and vice versa.

In the latter case, a peripheral shoulder of the first flange can forexample have a plurality of fins, e.g. four fins. For its part theclosing ring may, in a retaining shoulder extending diametricallyinwards, include a plurality of notches configured to cooperate with thefins of the closing ring so as to make the closing ring pass, by partialrotation of the closing ring, from the first position in which thenotches and the fins are superimposed to the second position in whichthe notches and the fins are positioned so as to be offset withoutsuperimposition. The retaining shoulder can be in contact with the firstflange in the tightly-sealed closed position of the filter assembly.

The closing ring can be removable and can be configured in such a waythat, when it is fixedly joined to the vessel in a holding position, itprevents any withdrawal of the filter cartridge.

The holding position can be one that prevents any movement of the filtercartridge in relation to the rest of the filter assembly. For example,if the closing ring is fixedly joined to the vessel by screwing, theholding position is a screwing position with a high tightening torque,for example torque greater than 25 Nm, so as to provide for the securedclosing of the filter assembly.

The closing ring can be fixed by screwing to the vessel, the vesselincluding an external thread and the closing ring including acorresponding internal thread.

The first flange can be provided, in proximity to its periphery, with atleast one elastic clip-on tab. The elastic clip-on tab or tabs can helpin the mounting and/or dismounting of the filter cartridge.

The first flange can be equipped, on an external face, with a removableor non-removable grip, configured to enable or facilitate the graspingof the filter cartridge.

The filter assembly can comprise at least one ring gasket cooperatingwith the first flange to provide for the tight sealing of the closurebetween the vessel and the first flange.

In this case, the gasket is fixedly joined to the first flange andtherefore to the filter cartridge, thus enabling it to be changed by thereplacement of the filter cartridge.

In this case, the first flange may for example present a peripheralshoulder having a ring-shaped peripheral housing to house the gasket.

As a variant, the first flange may have a peripheral shoulder having aperipheral rib and the gasket may be configured to cooperate with theperipheral rib, for example by being fitted on to the peripheral rib.

The gasket can be configured, when there is a closing ring, to providefor tight sealing between the closing ring, the vessel and the firstflange.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other features and aspects of the disclosure shall appear more clearlyfrom the following description of embodiments, given by way ofillustratory and non-exhaustive examples and from the appended drawings,of which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view in perspective of a filter assembly accordingto a first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the filterassembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration in longitudinal section of thedismantling of the filter assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a view similar to that of FIG. 3, in perspective.

FIG. 5 is an isolated, schematic and perspective view of a filtercartridge used in the filter assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the filtercartridge of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view in perspective of a filter assembly accordingto a second embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a schematic illustration in perspective of the possibility ofputting the closing ring of the filter assembly of FIG. 7 into rotation.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration in perspective of the withdrawal ofthe filter cartridge from the vessel of the filter assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 10 is an isolated, perspective and schematic view of the vessel ofthe filter assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 11 is an isolated, schematic and perspective view of the closingring of the filter assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 12 is an isolated, schematic and perspective view of the filtercartridge of the filter assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration in longitudinal section of thefilter cartridge of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration in perspective of the presence of agrip or handle in the filter assembly of FIG. 7.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are views in longitudinal section, seen schematicallyand partially, in perspective, of the working of the holder in thefilter assembly of FIG. 7.

FIG. 17 is a schematic illustration in perspective of a third embodimentof the filter assembly according to the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a schematic illustration in perspective of the withdrawal ofthe closing ring in the filter assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a schematic illustration in perspective of the withdrawal ofthe filter cartridge from the filter assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is an isolated, schematic view in longitudinal section of thefilter cartridge of the filter assembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is a schematic view in longitudinal section of the filterassembly of FIG. 17.

FIG. 22 is a schematic and partial view in longitudinal section of thecooperation between the first flange, the closing ring and the vessel inthe filter assembly of FIG. 17.

FIGS. 23 to 25 are partial, schematic views in longitudinal sectionillustrating one variant of the third embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a filter assembly 1 for fluids, for example oil, diesel orthe like, flowing in a hydraulic motor or apparatus, or other fluids.This filter assembly 1, according to a first embodiment of thedisclosure, has a filter element or body 2 comprising a vessel 3 and acover 4.

The filter assembly 1 includes a tube 5 which can be seen especially inFIG. 2, which is a central tube in this example. The tube 5 is insidethe filter element 2 and extends along a longitudinal axis X.

The filter assembly 1 also includes a filter cartridge 6 housed in thefilter element 2. The filter cartridge 6 comprises a first flange 7 orupper flange, a second flange 8 or lower flange, and a filtering medium9 extending between the first and second flanges 7 and 8 and having atubular hollow space 10 to surround the tube 5.

The filtering medium 9 can be chosen from the group constituted by:cellulose, especially paper or cardboard, felt, a woven or non-wovenporous material, which may or may not be synthetic, or any othersuitable filtering medium.

The filter assembly 1 furthermore includes, in this example, a lead-inchannel 20 for leading in fluid to be filtered and an outlet channel 22for the filtered fluid.

In the example shown, as can be seen, the tube 5 has an external relief88 consisting of a plurality of fins tilted to retain the filteringmedium 9 while enabling the passage of the fluid.

According to the disclosure, the first flange 7 of the filter cartridge6 at least partially forms the cover 4 of the filter element 2.

The filter assembly is clean and easy to maintain. The removal of thecover, formed at least partially by the first flange 7, corresponds tothe removal of the filter cartridge.

Furthermore, it is no longer possible to overlook the operation ofputting back a filter cartridge inside the filter assembly since thecartridge is at least partially constituted by the cover and thereforethe external wall.

In this first embodiment, the first flange 7 is configured to cooperateby force with the vessel 3, as can be seen especially in FIG. 2, so asto close the filter element 2 in a tightly-sealed way. A gasket 11 isprovided in order to ensure tight sealing between the vessel 3 and thefirst flange 7.

The vessel 3, in an unattached end portion 18, has a substantiallycylindrical shape. The end portion 18 terminates in an upper edge 15,which is unattached, of the vessel 3.

The first flange 7 has a circular shape having a peripheral shoulderwhich, in this example, comprises an internal peripheral shoulder 12 andan external peripheral shoulder 14. The internal peripheral shoulder 12matches the vessel 3 internally. This internal peripheral shoulder 12has an annular housing 13 arranged to house the gasket 11 which is alsoannular. The gasket 11 in this example has a circular cross-section, butit could be of another shape without departing from the framework of theinvention. For example the gasket 11 may have an oval cross-section.

The external peripheral shoulder 14 is configured to at least partiallytake support on an upper edge 15 of the vessel 3. The externalperipheral shoulder 14 has a diameter greater than that of the internalperipheral shoulder 12.

In this first embodiment of the disclosure, the filter assembly 1comprises a holder 25 for holding the first flange 7 to the vessel 3,configured to hold the first flange 7 fixedly on the vessel 3.

In this example, the holder 25 is formed by an upper extension 26 of thetube 5 passing through an aperture 27, in this example the centralaperture, of the first flange 7 and cooperating in a tightly sealed waywith the aperture 27.

The first flange 7, as can be seen more particularly in FIGS. 5 and 6,includes an external face 16 partially forming the external wall of thefilter assembly 1 and an internal face 17 in contact with or in thevicinity of the filtering medium 9. The external face 16 has a pluralityof reinforcing elements 31 formed in parallel to the longitudinal axis Xand extending between the aperture 27, the inner peripheral shoulder 12and the outer peripheral shoulder 14 as can be seen.

A gasket 28 is planned with an annular shape to provide for tightsealing between the upper extension 26 of the tube 5 and the firstflange 7. The upper extension 26 is configured to abut against anexternal face 16 of the first flange 7. The upper extension 26 includesa rim 30 that rests on the external face 16 of the first flange 7, andextends throughout its periphery.

The aperture 27 is formed in a cylinder portion 29 with a heightsubstantially equal to that of the reinforcing elements 31 and extendingbetween the lower face 17 and an upper shoulder formed on the externalface 16 of the first flange 7 against which the rim 30 of the upperextension 26 abuts.

The upper extension 26, as can be seen in FIGS. 1 to 4, has a hexagonalcross-section. The upper extension 26 of the tube 5 in this exampleforms a grasping zone for an operator. The upper extension 26 is at anupper end of the tube 5. The lower end 34 of the tube 5 extends up tothe outlet channel 22, within it. A gasket 35 is at the lower end 34 ofthe tube 5.

The tube 5 is fixedly joined to the vessel 3. In the example shown, thetube includes an external thread 36 at its lower part, configured tocooperate with an internal thread 37 of an internal zone 39 with asubstantially cylindrical shape at the lower part, within the vessel 3.Thus, the tube 5 is screwed removably to the vessel 3.

The second flange 8 has a cylindrical portion 40 extending downwardly inmoving away from the filtering medium 9, housing a gasket 38, which isring-shaped, so as to provide for tight sealing between the filtercartridge 6, the tube 5 and also the internal zone 39 of the vessel 3.

When replacing the filter cartridge 6, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,the operator starts by unscrewing the tube 5 in turning the upperextension 26 so as to remove it completely. Thus, the filter cartridge 6is released and can be withdrawn and replaced by a new cartridge. Oncethe new filter cartridge 6 has been positioned in the vessel 3, the tube5 is put back and screwed into the vessel 3 until the rim 30 of theupper extension 26 takes support on the external face 16 of the firstflange 7.

The gasket 38, which is fixedly joined to the second flange 8, and thegasket 11, fixedly joined to the first flange 7, are changed at the sametime as the filter cartridge 6 and that it is therefore not necessaryfor the operator to handle the gaskets during the replacement of thefilter cartridge 6, which is desirable.

FIGS. 7 to 16 show a second embodiment of the filter assembly 1according to the disclosure.

In this embodiment, the first flange 7 does not include any centralapertures 27 but is solid on its entire external face 16, also havingreinforcement elements 31 and a cylindrical portion similar to thecylinder portion 29 within which the material forming the first flange 7is also present, in a convex shape as can be seen especially in FIG. 13.

The holder 24 is formed in this embodiment by a closing ring 50 fixedlyjoined externally to the end portion 18 of the vessel 3 while at thesame time being partially mobile rotationally in relation to the vessel3. In this embodiment, the closing ring 50 is removable from the vessel3 but that, without departing from the framework of the disclosure, itcould remain fixedly joined to the vessel 3 without being removable.

The closing ring 50 includes a portion to get fixedly joined, especiallyby screwing, to the vessel 3 and the retaining shoulder 52 extendingdiametrically inwardly.

In this example, the fixed-joining portion externally includes aplurality of protruding elements 59 substantially parallel to thelongitudinal axis X facilitating the mounting and dismounting of theclosing ring 50 on the vessel 3, especially its manual mounting anddismounting, by preliminary screwing by hand so as not to use anytightening tool at the end of travel in order to apply the necessarytightening torque. These protruding elements 55 also reinforce thesolidity of the closing ring 50.

The closing ring 50 is configured so that it can pass by partialrotation, symbolized by the arrow in FIG. 8, from a first position whichcan be seen in FIG. 16, enabling the withdrawal of the filter cartridgeout of the vessel 3 or the positioning of the filter cartridge 6 in thevessel 3, to a second position which can be seen in FIG. 15 which on thecontrary prevents the withdrawal of the filter cartridge 6 from thevessel 3 or the positioning of the filter cartridge 6 in the vessel 3.

To this end, the first flange 7 includes, on the external peripheralshoulder 14, a plurality of fins 15, e.g. four in number in theillustration shown, which can be seen in FIG. 12. The closing ring 50,in the retaining shoulder 52, includes a plurality of notches 53, e.g.four in number in the example shown. The notches 53 are configured tocooperate with the fins 51 so as to make the closing ring 50 pass bypartial rotation of the closing ring 50, in this example by about 45°,from the first position in which the notches 50 and the fins 51 aresuperimposed to the second position in which the notches 53 and the fins51 are positioned so as to be offset, without being superimposed, as canbe seen respectively in FIGS. 15 and 16.

The upper edge 15 of the vessel 3 is provided with at least one abutment55, e.g. four in the example shown, which are to extend between twoadjacent fins 51 in order to prevent any rotational movement of thefilter cartridge 6 relative to the vessel 3 so as to prevent thesimultaneous rotation of the closing ring 50 and the filter cartridge 6and so as to accurately position the filter cartridge 6 in the vessel 3.

In order to fixedly join the closing ring 50 to the vessel 3, anexternal thread 56 is provided, in this example, on the externalperiphery of the unattached end portion 18 of the vessel 3. Acorresponding internal thread 57 is provided on the closing ring 50 soas to enable the closing ring 50 to be attached to the vessel 3 by beingscrewed on to it.

The second position of the closing ring 50 is obtained by sufficientscrewing of the closing ring to the vessel 3 so as to prevent anymovement of the filter cartridge 6 even in the case of high pressurewithin the filter assembly 1.

To enable the positioning of a new filter cartridge 6 or the withdrawalof a used filter cartridge, it is not necessary in this example towithdraw the closing ring 50 which remains fixedly joined to the vessel3. It is enough, as shown in FIG. 8, to turn the closing ring 50 byabout one-eighth of a turn so as to superimpose the fins 51 and thenotches 53 and, as illustrated in FIG. 9, enable the removal of the usedfilter cartridge 6 and then the positioning of a new filter cartridge 6.Then, the closing ring 50 is rotated by one-eighth of a turn in thereverse sense in order to prevent the withdrawal of the new filtercartridge 6.

It must be noted that, in the second position illustrated in FIG. 15,the notches 53 are substantially superimposed on the stops 55 of theupper edge 15 of the vessel 3 while, in the first position illustratedin FIG. 16, it is the notches 53 and the fins 51 that are superimposed.

In this embodiment, the tube 5 is for example fixedly joined to thevessel 3 and is not removable.

The first flange 7 is, as in the first embodiment, in contact with aninner shoulder of the end portion 18 of the vessel 3 and furthermoretakes support on the upper edge 15 of the vessel 3 by means of its fins51.

As illustrated in FIGS. 14 to 16, the first flange 7 can include a grip70, which may or may not be removable, having a slotted grasping zone 71so that, if necessary, the filter cartridge 6 can be handled by anoperator when it is being replaced or when the filter assembly 1 isbeing replaced.

FIGS. 17 to 25 show a third embodiment of the filter assembly 1according to the disclosure.

In this embodiment, the holder 25 is formed by a removable closing ring50, which must be totally detached from the vessel 3 to enable theremoval or positioning of a filtering cartridge 6, as can be seen inFIGS. 18 and 19.

In this embodiment, the closing ring 50 is fixed by screwing to thevessel 3 by corresponding threads 56 and 57, formed respectively on thevessel 3 and the closing ring 50.

When it is fixedly joined to the vessel 3 in the holding position, theclosing ring 50 prevents any withdrawal of the filtering cartridge 6.The holding position is the one in which any motion of the filteringcartridge 6 is prevented, especially by a sufficient tightening of theclosing ring 50 relative to the vessel 3.

The first flange 7 has a circular peripheral shoulder 80 which has aperipheral rib 81. A gasket 82 is configured to cooperate with theperipheral rib 81. To this end, the gasket 82 includes a groove 83corresponding to the peripheral rib 81, so as to make them cooperate tofixedly join the gasket 82 to the first flange 7. The gasket 82 is thusin contact with the closing ring 50, the upper edge 15 of the vessel 3and the first flange 7, as can be seen in FIG. 22.

As illustrated in FIG. 22, the peripheral shoulder 80 of the firstflange 7 also has an upper surface 85 and a lower surface 86 comingrespectively into contact with the retaining shoulder 52 of the closingring 50 and the upper edge 15 of the vessel 3. Such a configuration canmake it possible to obtain sufficient sealing of the closing of thefilter assembly and efficient holding of the filter cartridge 6 withinthe vessel 3.

As can be seen in FIG. 20, the tube 9 is fixed by screwing into thevessel 3. However, it is not withdrawn during the replacement of thefiltering cartridge 6.

FIGS. 23 to 25 show the possibility, in one variant, of providingclip-on tabs 90 on the first flange 7, e.g. four in number in theexample illustrated, that get clipped on to the top of the retainingshoulder 52 of the closing ring 50 when the filtering cartridge 6 is inthe right position in the vessel 3. The filter cartridge thus remains inthe closing ring 50 during dismounting, thus preventing the operatorfrom grasping the filter cartridge. The operator can unclip the filtercartridge by lateral impact on the bottom of the filter cartridge insuch a way that it falls directly into the bin.

The number of clip-on tabs can be different from four without departingfrom the framework of the disclosure.

The first flange 7 may be reinforced as compared with other flanges, soas to be able, mechanically, to fulfill its role of a cover, evenpartially, for the filter assembly. To this end, reinforcing elementshave been provided in particular, as illustrated and described furtherabove. Other reinforcements or a different shape for the first flangecan be planned without departing from the framework of the disclosure.

The first flange 7 can be fixedly joined to and/or possibly include aholder, if necessary. The holder can be formed by one or more differentand/or distinct parts of the filter assembly.

The disclosure provides a filter assembly 1 to filter at least onefluid, including fluid flowing in a hydraulic motor or apparatus, andother fluids, the filter assembly including:

-   -   a filter element 2, including a vessel 3 and a cover 4,    -   a tube 5, including a central tube, within the filter element 2        extending along a longitudinal axis X,    -   a removable filter cartridge 6 housed in the filter element 2        and comprising a first flange 7, a second flange 8, and a        filtering medium 9 extending between the first and second        flanges 7, 8 and having a tubular hollow space 10 to surround        the tube 5,    -   characterized in that the first flange 7 of the filter cartridge        6 at least partially forms the cover 4 of the filter element 2.

Throughout the description, the expressions “including one” or“comprising one” must be understood as being synonymous with theexpressions “including at least one” or “comprising at least one”respectively, unless the contrary is specified.

The disclosure provides a filter assembly 1 having a canister housing orvessel 3 closable by a lid or cover 4 and containing a removable andreplaceable filter element cartridge 6. The lid 4 is part of the filterelement cartridge 6 and a single unitary component therewith, such thatremoval of filter element cartridge 6 also removes lid 4, andreplacement of filter element cartridge 6 also replaces lid 4. Anattachment member or holder 25, 50 coacts between canister housing 3 andlid 4, and has a locked position engaging the lid and biasing the lidinto sealing engagement with the canister housing with filter elementcartridge 6 in the canister housing, and having an unlocked positionpermitting withdrawal of the noted single unitary component, includinglid 4 and filter element cartridge 6 from canister housing 3. Canisterhousing 3 extends axially along axis X between first and second distallyopposite ends, e.g. upper and lower ends, respectively, in the drawings.The first or upper end has an open mouth receiving filter elementcartridge 6 inserted axially downwardly therethrough, and then closed bylid 4. Filter element cartridge 6 extends axially along axis X and hasan axially extending hollow interior 10. Canister housing 3 has acircumferential sidewall 3 a spaced radially outwardly of filter elementcartridge 6. The filter element cartridge has an outer sidewall surfacefacing the circumferential sidewall of canister housing 3, and having aninner sidewall surface facing hollow interior 10. Lid 4 spans the notedopen mouth of canister housing 3 and is biased by the noted attachmentmember 25, 50 in the noted locked position into sealing engagement withthe circumferential sidewall of canister housing 3 at the noted firstupper end thereof. As disclosed, the attachment member engages lid 4 atone of: a) hollow interior 10 of filter element cartridge 6; and b) thecircumferential sidewall of canister housing 3.

In one embodiment, attachment member 25 engages lid 4 at flange 7 at thehollow interior 10 of filter element cartridge 6. Lid 4 at flange 7 hasa central aperture 27 axially aligned with hollow interior 10 of filterelement cartridge 6. Central aperture 27 has a sidewall 29, FIG. 6, withan inner shoulder 29 a (lower shoulder) axially facing hollow interior10 of filter element cartridge 6, and a distally opposite outer shoulder29 b (upper shoulder) facing axially away from hollow interior 10 offilter element cartridge 6. Attachment member 25 engages lid 4 at flange7 at the noted outer upper shoulder 29 b of sidewall 29 of centralaperture 27. Attachment member 25 has a flange 30 having a greaterdiameter than central aperture 27, which flange 30 extends laterallybeyond central aperture 27 and overlaps the noted outer upper shoulder29 b of aperture sidewall 29 in axially aligned relation. Attachmentmember 25 has a shank or tube 5 extending from flange 30 axially intohollow interior 10 and engaging canister housing 3 to attach lid 4, 7thereto. In one embodiment, the noted shank threadingly engages canisterhousing 3 at the noted second lower end of the canister housing.

In another embodiment, attachment member 50 engages lid 4 atcircumferential sidewall 3 a of canister housing 3. The lid 4 at flange7 has an outer flange at 51, 80 at circumferential sidewall 3 a ofcanister housing 3, and attachment member 50 engages the lid at suchouter flange. In one embodiment, the outer flange of the lid includes aplurality of circumferentially spaced tabs or fins 51 extending radiallyoutwardly away from axis X and circumferentially spaced from each otherby arcuate slots 51 a therebetween. Attachment member 50 is provided byan outer ring secured to canister housing 3 at the noted first upper endand at least partially turnable about axis X between the noted lockedand unlocked positions. Outer ring 50 has a plurality ofcircumferentially spaced tabs 52 a extending radially inwardly towardsaxis X and circumferentially spaced from each other by arcuate slots ornotches 53 therebetween. Tabs 52 a of outer ring 50 are axially alignedwith tabs 51 of the outer flange of lid 4 when outer ring 50 is in thenoted locked position. Tabs 52 a of outer ring 50 are axially alignedwith slots 51 a of the outer flange of lid 4 when outer ring 50 is inthe noted unlocked position. In one embodiment, outer ring 50 is securedto canister housing 3 in threaded relation at 56 at the noted firstupper end of the canister housing. In one embodiment, lid 4 at flange 7is sealed to canister housing 3 at a radial seal 11 at circumferentialsidewall 3 a.

In one embodiment, attachment member 50 is an outer ring threadinglysecured to canister housing 3 at the noted first upper end thereof inthe locked position and threadingly removable therefrom to the unlockedposition by turning outer ring 50 about axis X. Outer flange 80 of lid 4at flange 7 has a first surface 85, FIG. 22, engaged by outer ring 50 inthe noted locked position, and a second surface 86 engaging the top ofcircumferential sidewall 3 a of canister housing 3 at the noted firstupper end in the locked position of outer ring 50. First and secondsurfaces 85 and 86 of outer flange 80 are axially distally opposite eachother and axially spaced from each other by a given axial thickness ofouter flange 80 therebetween. First surface 85 faces axially away fromhollow interior 10 of filter element cartridge 6. Second surface 86faces axially toward hollow interior 10. Circumferential sidewall 3 a ofcanister housing 3 has a circumferential lip surface or upper edge 15 atthe noted first upper end of the canister housing facing axially towardand engaged by second surface 86 of outer flange 80 of the lid. Firstand second surfaces 85 and 86 and the noted given axial thicknesstherebetween provide a stop which limits axial advancement of outer ring50 toward canister housing 3 to concomitantly provide a stop againstovertightening of outer ring 50 threadingly to canister housing 3. Lid 4at outer flange 80 is sealed to canister housing 3 at an axial seal,e.g. at gasket 82 at the circumferential sidewall of the canisterhousing.

In one embodiment, a plurality of clip tabs 90, FIGS. 23-25, extendaxially from lid 4 along an axial direction away from filter elementcartridge 6. Clip tabs 90 have a first retaining position axiallyaligned with outer ring 50 in interfering relation to retain outer ring50 on lid 4 including in the noted unlocked position. Clip tabs 90 areradially deflectable inwardly to a second releasing position allowingclearance and axial movement of outer ring 50 therepast.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clarity, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beinferred therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued. The different configurations, systems, and method stepsdescribed herein may be used alone or in combination with otherconfigurations, systems and method steps. It is to be expected thatvarious equivalents, alternatives and modifications are possible withinthe scope of the appended claims. Each limitation in the appended claimsis intended to invoke interpretation under 35 U.S.C. §112, sixthparagraph, only if the terms “means for” or “step for” are explicitlyrecited in the respective limitation.

What is claimed is:
 1. Filter assembly to filter at least one fluid, thefilter assembly comprising: a filter element, including a vessel and acover, a tube, in particular a central tube, within the filter elementextending along a longitudinal axis X, a removable filter cartridgehoused in the filter element and comprising a first flange, a secondflange, and a filtering medium extending between the first and secondflanges and having a tubular hollow space to surround the tube,characterized in that the first flange of the filter cartridge at leastpartially forms the cover of the filter element.
 2. Filter assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the first flange is configured tocooperate by force with the vessel so as to close the filter element ina tightly sealed manner.
 3. Filter assembly according to claim 1,wherein the first flange rests on an upper edge of the vessel.
 4. Filterassembly according to claim 1, comprising a holder holding the firstflange on the vessel, configured to prevent the detachment of the firstflange from the vessel and/or configured to enable the filter cartridgeto be held fixedly in the vessel.
 5. Filter assembly according to claim1, wherein the tube is fixed removably relatively to the filter element.6. Filter assembly according to claim 4, wherein the first flangeincludes an aperture, and the tube includes an upper extension passingthrough the aperture of the first flange and cooperating in a tightlysealed manner with the aperture, said upper extension being configuredto abut against an external face of the first flange and to form saidholder.
 7. Filter assembly according to claim 4, comprising a closingring fixedly joined externally with an end portion of the vessel whileat the same time being at least partially mobile, especially inrotation, relatively to the vessel and forming said holder.
 8. Filterassembly according claim 7, wherein said closing ring is configured sothat, by partial rotation relatively to the vessel while remainingfixedly joined to it to it, it can pass from a first position enablingthe filter cartridge to be withdrawn from the vessel or enabling thefilter cartridge to be positioned in the vessel to a second positionpreventing the filter cartridge from being withdrawn from the vessel orpreventing the filter cartridge from being positioned in the vessel, andvice versa.
 9. Filter assembly according to claim 8, wherein aperipheral shoulder of the first flange has a plurality of fins, andwherein the closing ring, in a retaining shoulder extendingdiametrically inwards, includes a plurality of notches configured tocooperate with the fins of the closing ring so as to make the closingring pass, by partial rotation of the closing ring, from the firstposition in which the notches and the fins are superimposed to thesecond position in which the notches and the fins are positioned so asto be offset without superimposition.
 10. Filter assembly according toclaim 7, wherein the removable, closing ring is configured in such a waythat, when it is fixedly joined to the vessel in a holding position, itprevents any withdrawal of the filter cartridge.
 11. Filter assemblyaccording to claim 7, wherein the closing ring is fixed by screwing tothe vessel, the vessel including an external thread and the closing ringincluding a corresponding internal thread.
 12. Filter assembly accordingto claim 11, wherein the first flange is provided, in proximity to itsperiphery, with at least one elastic clip-on tab.
 13. Filter assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the first flange is equipped, on anexternal face, with a removable or non-removable grip configured toenable or facilitate the grasping of the filter cartridge.
 14. Filterassembly according to claim 1, comprising at least one ring gasketcooperating with the first flange to provide for the tight sealing ofthe closure between the vessel and the first flange.
 15. Filter assemblyaccording to claim 14, wherein the first flange has a peripheralshoulder having a ring-shaped peripheral housing to house said gasket.16. Filter assembly according to claim 14, wherein the first flange hasa peripheral shoulder having a peripheral rib and the gasket isconfigured to cooperate with the peripheral rib.
 17. Filter assemblyaccording to claim 7, wherein the gasket is configured, when there is aclosing ring, to provide for tight sealing between the closing ring, thevessel and the first flange.
 18. Filter cartridge for a filter assemblyaccording to claim
 1. 19. A filter assembly comprising a canisterhousing closable by a lid and containing a removable and replaceablefilter element cartridge, said lid being part of said filter elementcartridge and a single unitary component therewith, such that removal ofsaid filter element cartridge also removes said lid, and replacement ofsaid filter element cartridge also replaces said lid.
 20. The filterassembly according to claim 19 comprising an attachment member coactingbetween said canister housing and said lid, and having a locked positionengaging said lid and biasing said lid into sealing engagement with saidcanister housing with said filter element cartridge in said canisterhousing, and having an unlocked position permitting withdrawal of saidsingle unitary component, including said lid and said filter elementcartridge from said canister housing.
 21. The filter assembly accordingto claim 20 wherein said canister housing extends axially along an axisbetween first and second distally opposite ends, said first end being anopen mouth receiving said filter element cartridge inserted axiallytherethrough and then being closed by said lid, said filter elementcartridge extending axially along said axis and having an axiallyextending hollow interior, said canister housing having acircumferential sidewall spaced radially outwardly of said filterelement cartridge, said filter element cartridge having an outersidewall surface facing said circumferential sidewall of said canisterhousing, and having an inner sidewall surface facing said hollowinterior, wherein said lid spans said open mouth and is biased by saidattachment member in said locked position into sealing engagement withsaid circumferential sidewall of said canister housing at said firstend.
 22. The filter assembly according to claim 21 wherein saidattachment member engages said lid at one of a) said hollow interior ofsaid filter element cartridge and b) said circumferential sidewall ofsaid canister housing.
 23. The filter assembly according to claim 22wherein said attachment member engages said lid at said hollow interiorof said filter element cartridge, said lid has a central apertureaxially aligned with said hollow interior of said filter elementcartridge, said central aperture has a sidewall with an inner shoulderaxially facing said hollow interior of said filter element cartridge,and a distally opposite outer shoulder axially facing away from saidhollow interior of said filter element cartridge, and said attachmentmember engages said lid at said outer shoulder of said sidewall of saidcentral aperture.
 24. The filter assembly according to claim 23 whereinsaid attachment member has a flange having a greater diameter than saidcentral aperture, and wherein said flange extends laterally beyond saidcentral aperture and overlaps said outer shoulder in axially alignedrelation.
 25. The filter assembly according to claim 24 wherein saidattachment member comprises a shank extending from said flange axiallyinto said hollow interior and engaging said canister housing to attachsaid lid thereto.
 26. The filter assembly according to claim 25 whereinsaid shank threadingly engages said canister housing at said second endof said canister housing.
 27. The filter assembly according to claim 22wherein said attachment member engages said lid at said circumferentialsidewall of said canister housing, said lid has an outer flange at saidcircumferential sidewall of said canister housing, and said attachmentmember engages said lid at said outer flange.
 28. The filter assemblyaccording to claim 27 wherein said outer flange of said lid comprises aplurality of circumferentially spaced tabs extending radially outwardlyaway from said axis and circumferentially spaced from each other byarcuate slots therebetween, said attachment member comprises an outerring secured to said canister housing at said first end and at leastpartially turnable about said axis between said locked and unlockedpositions, said outer ring having a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced tabs extending radially inwardly towards said axis andcircumferentially spaced from each other by arcuate slots therebetween,wherein said tabs of said outer ring are axially aligned with said tabsof said outer flange when said outer ring is in said locked position,and said tabs of said outer ring are axially aligned with said slots ofsaid outer flange, and said tabs of said outer flange are axiallyaligned with said slots of said outer ring, when said outer ring is insaid unlocked position.
 29. The filter assembly according to claim 28wherein said outer ring is secured to said canister housing in threadedrelation at said first end.
 30. The filter assembly according to claim28 wherein said lid is sealed to said canister housing at a radial sealat said circumferential sidewall.
 31. The filter assembly according toclaim 27 wherein said attachment member comprises an outer ringthreadingly secured to said canister housing at said first end in saidlocked position and threadingly removable therefrom to said unlockedposition by turning said outer ring about said axis, and wherein saidouter flange has a first surface engaged by said outer ring in saidlocked position, and a second surface engaging said circumferentialsidewall of said canister housing at said first end in said lockedposition of said outer ring.
 32. The filter assembly according to claim31 wherein said first and second surfaces of said outer flange areaxially distally opposite each other and axially spaced from each otherby a given axial thickness of said outer flange therebetween, said firstsurface facing axially away from said hollow interior, said secondsurface facing axially toward said hollow interior, said circumferentialsidewall of said canister housing having a circumferential lip surfaceat said first end facing axially toward and engaged by said secondsurface of said outer flange, said first and second surfaces and saidgiven axial thickness therebetween providing a stop which limits axialadvancement of said outer ring toward said canister housing toconcomitantly provide a stop against overtightening of said outer ringthreadingly to said canister housing.
 33. The filter assembly accordingto claim 32 wherein said lid is sealed to said canister housing at anaxial seal at said circumferential sidewall.
 34. The filter assemblyaccording to claim 31 comprising a plurality of clip tabs extendingaxially from said lid along an axial direction away from said filterelement cartridge, said clip tabs having a first retaining positionaxially aligned with said outer ring in interfering relation to retainsaid outer ring on said lid including in said unlocked position, saidclip tabs being radially deflectable to a second releasing positionallowing clearance and axial movement of said outer ring therepast. 35.A removable and replaceable filter element cartridge for a filterassembly having a canister housing closable by a lid and containing saidremovable and replaceable filter element cartridge, said filter elementcartridge being part of said lid and a single unitary componenttherewith, such that removal of said filter element cartridge alsoremoves said lid, and replacement of said filter element cartridge alsoreplaces said lid.
 36. The removable and replaceable filter elementcartridge according to claim 35 wherein said filter assembly includes anattachment member coacting between said canister housing and said lid,and having a locked position engaging said lid and biasing said lid intosealing engagement with said canister housing with said filter elementcartridge in said canister housing, and having an unlocked positionpermitting withdrawal of said single unitary component, including saidlid and said filter element cartridge from said canister housing. 37.The removable and replaceable filter element cartridge according toclaim 36 wherein said canister housing extends axially along an axisbetween first and second distally opposite ends, said first end being anopen mouth receiving said filter element cartridge inserted axiallytherethrough and then being closed by said lid, said filter elementcartridge extending axially along said axis and having an axiallyextending hollow interior, said canister housing having acircumferential sidewall spaced radially outwardly of said filterelement cartridge, said filter element cartridge having an outersidewall surface facing said circumferential sidewall of said canisterhousing, and having an inner sidewall surface facing said hollowinterior, wherein said lid spans said open mouth and is biased by saidattachment member in said locked position into sealing engagement withsaid circumferential sidewall of said canister housing at said firstend.
 38. The removable and replaceable filter element cartridgeaccording to claim 37 wherein said attachment member engages said lid atone of a) said hollow interior of said filter element cartridge and b)said circumferential sidewall of said canister housing.
 39. Theremovable and replaceable filter element cartridge according to claim 38wherein said attachment member engages said lid at said hollow interiorof said filter element cartridge, said lid has a central apertureaxially aligned with said hollow interior of said filter elementcartridge, said central aperture has a sidewall with an inner shoulderaxially facing said hollow interior of said filter element cartridge,and a distally opposite outer shoulder axially facing away from saidhollow interior of said filter element cartridge, and said attachmentmember engages said lid at said outer shoulder of said sidewall of saidcentral aperture.
 40. The removable and replaceable filter elementcartridge according to claim 37 wherein said attachment member engagessaid lid at said circumferential sidewall of said canister housing, saidlid has an outer flange at said circumferential sidewall of saidcanister housing, and said attachment member engages said lid at saidouter flange.
 41. The removable and replaceable filter element cartridgeaccording to claim 40 wherein said outer flange of said lid comprises aplurality of circumferentially spaced tabs extending radially outwardlyaway from said axis and circumferentially spaced from each other byarcuate slots therebetween, said attachment member comprises an outerring secured to said canister housing at said first end and at leastpartially turnable about said axis between said locked and unlockedpositions, said outer ring having a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced tabs extending radially inwardly towards said axis andcircumferentially spaced from each other by arcuate slots therebetween,wherein said tabs of said outer ring are axially aligned with said tabsof said outer flange when said outer ring is in said locked position,and said tabs of said outer ring are axially aligned with said slots ofsaid outer flange, and said tabs of said outer flange are axiallyaligned with said slots of said outer ring, when said outer ring is insaid unlocked position.
 42. The removable and replaceable filter elementcartridge according to claim 40 wherein said attachment member comprisesan outer ring threadingly secured to said canister housing at said firstend in said locked position and threadingly removable therefrom to saidunlocked position by turning said outer ring about said axis, andwherein said outer flange has a first surface engaged by said outer ringin said locked position, and a second surface engaging saidcircumferential sidewall of said canister housing at said first end insaid locked position of said outer ring.
 43. The removable andreplaceable filter element cartridge according to claim 42 wherein saidfirst and second surfaces of said outer flange are axially distallyopposite each other and axially spaced from each other by a given axialthickness of said outer flange therebetween, said first surface facingaxially away from said hollow interior, said second surface facingaxially toward said hollow interior, said circumferential sidewall ofsaid canister housing having a circumferential lip surface at said firstend facing axially toward and engaged by said second surface of saidouter flange, said first and second surfaces and said given axialthickness therebetween providing a stop which limits axial advancementof said outer ring toward said canister housing to concomitantly providea stop against overtightening of said outer ring threadingly to saidcanister housing.
 44. A method for removing and replacing a filterelement cartridge from a canister housing comprising providing acanister housing closable by a lid and containing a removable andreplaceable filter element cartridge, providing said lid as a part ofthe filter element cartridge and a single unitary component therewith,removing said lid and concomitantly said filter element cartridge fromsaid canister housing, and replacing a new lid and concomitantly a newfilter element cartridge in said canister housing.
 45. The methodaccording to claim 44 comprising providing an attachment member coactingbetween said canister housing and said lid, and having a locked positionengaging said lid and biasing said lid into sealing engagement againstsaid canister housing with said filter element cartridge in saidcanister housing, and having an unlocked position permitting withdrawalof said single unitary component, including said lid and said filterelement cartridge, from said canister housing, and comprising movingsaid attachment member between said locked and unlocked positions. 46.The method according to claim 45 comprising providing said canisterhousing extending axially along an axis between first and seconddistally opposite ends, said first end being an open mouth receivingsaid filter element cartridge inserted axially therethrough and thenbeing closed by said lid, said filter element cartridge extendingaxially along said axis and having an axially extending hollow interior,said canister housing having a circumferential sidewall spaced radiallyoutwardly of said filter element cartridge, said filter elementcartridge having an outer sidewall surface facing said circumferentialsidewall of said canister housing, and having an inner sidewall surfacefacing said hollow interior, providing said lid spanning said open mouthand biased by said attachment member in said locked position intosealing engagement with said circumferential sidewall of said canisterhousing at said first end.
 47. The method according to claim 46comprising engaging said lid with said attachment member at one of a)said hollow interior of said filter element cartridge and b) saidcircumferential sidewall of said canister housing.